The Tribune

Over 50 leaders of the various branches of the Anglican Church Women (ACW) of the Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands met recently for their Presidents-Vice-Presidents Seminar at Holy Trinity Activity Centre for a time of reflection and devotion as well as enhancing their leadership skills.

This year is significant to the organization as it celebrates its 50th anniversary through varied activities under the theme, “Moving Forward with Confidence and Love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37-39)”.
Assistant Bishop Drexel Gomez, representing Bishop Laish Boyd, Sr, reminded the ACW leaders that God is the most important entity in their existence and that there must be a genuine desire to be in touch with Him, that they must have a commitment to follow through.

Other speakers for the seminar included Rita Spriggs, Rose King, Marjorie Stuart, Sandra Collie and Cherrylee Pinder.
As one of their events to celebrate their 50th Anniversary throughout the year, the executives of the ACW Council and past Council presidents paid a courtesy call on Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes along with their patron, Bishop Boyd.

Another event under the theme, “ACW 50 Years of Grace and Elegance, was held at Holy Trinity Activity Centre.
The Anglican Church Women of the Diocese will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary with a gala banquet on Friday, May 16, at the Meli� Nassau Beach Resort.

Long-serving, faithful and dedicated Anglican church women who have made invaluable contributions will be honoured at this event.

A service of thanksgiving will be held on Sunday, May 18, at Christ Church Cathedral and their 42nd annual conference convenes from May 19-23. 
The ACW was established in 1963 by Bishop Bernard Markham. It grew out of a recognised need for more deliberate and increased participation of women in the church at both the parochial and diocesan levels.

Through the ACW, the church presents a body through which women, empowered by the Holy Spirit, may intensify their service to God, share God’s words and love to others, make Christ known throughout the diocese and the world, and foster and promote spiritual discipline through worship, study, and a more fervent prayer life.

One of the organisation’s main contributions to the diocese is the ‘United Thank Offering’ for projects named by Bishop Boyd.

“We know that the ‘United Thank Offering’ has assisted with rebuilding and maintain our churches and rectories throughout the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the ACW said.

“Funds also assisted with the training of our clergy and establishing a pension fund for our retired clergy. Bishop Markham’s vision was for the ACW to be actively involved in outreach within their local parishes and our diocese.”
The first ACW branch within the diocese formed in November 1963 was Christ Church Cathedral. Thereafter in February 1964, St Agnes Parish ACW was formed, following in March 1964 at St Mary’s Church ACW and St. George’s Church ACW, and finally in April 1964, the St Barnabas Church ACW, St Matthew’s ACW and St Margaret’s Church ACW were formed.

Presently, there are more than 50 ACW branches throughout the diocese.